Wilson Memorial boys remain unbeaten

WAYNESBORO – Wilson Memrorial came to Waynesboro Friday night on an undefeated streak to start the young season.

Behind a barrage of 3-point shots to start the second half, the Hornets took any doubt out of the contest with the Giants to continue their hot start. In a game that seemed to be played largely behind the arc, the Hornets connected on eleven total 3-point baskets to help roll to a 67-51 win.

Coach Jeremy Hartman attributes “a positive attitude, coming in and working together” for his team’s early season success.

“The kids have really come together as a unit," he said. "They have embraced being the underdogs. We don’t have a lot of size, but they play scrappy, they play smart, they play together. It has really been a team effort.”

Nothing could be a better example of this than a second-half shooting performance that saw four Hornet players sinking shots from long range, including senior Garrick Welch who made three as part of his 16-point output for the game.

After trading a pair of early buckets for a 5-4 Giants lead, Wilson was sparked by a Gabe LaGrua steal and layup as part of a five-point run that gave the Hornets an 11-7 lead and the team never looked back.

Jacob Sears and Rafe Shumate knocked down back-to-back 3s and the Hornets led 18-7 after the first period. The Giants struggled to find their shots, shooting only 24 percent in the first half, and found themselves trailing 28-14 at halftime.

The Hornets knocked down eight of their shots from long range early in the second half, including a trio of threes from Welch to build a 24-point lead midway through the third period.

Gabe Brown and Matt Poole also knocked down a pair of 3s each to help put the game out of reach and rounded out three Hornets in double figures.

Coach Hartman wasn’t surprised when the shots started falling.

“We have kids that our capable of doing that," he said. "When we get hot we can shoot the ball really well. There are nights when we can create mismatches just because we are small and can spread the floor.”

Waynesboro junior Dayvon Young put on a star performance of his own, hitting six from long range as part of a game-high 22-point effort.

“Dayvon worked hard for us. He did a great job for us tonight,” Waynesboro Coach Sydney Diggs said after the game.

Wilson will head to Luray on Tuesday to see if they can continue the hot start to the season.